Elaphrus riparius
This record describes Elaphrus riparius (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6.5 to 7.5 mm. Metallic green elytra with pale lilac markings and a pair of round violet depressions that appear to be edged with silver in strong light. Legs long, femora metallic green, strongly microsculptured, tibiae red but darkened and metallic at apex. Tarsi shining metallic green. Easiest to find by searching wet mud among waterside vegetation during hot weather but they scatter quickly and are difficult to follow. Adults are active from April onwards peaking from May to August with numbers dwindling towards winter. They breed in early spring and the predatory larvae develop through the summer. Occurs throughout England and Wales although scarcer in the north and seemingly mostly coastal in the west country.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Carabidae
- Genus
- Elaphrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Easiest to find by searching wet mud among waterside vegetation during hot weather but they scatter quickly and are difficult to follow.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are active from April onwards peaking from May to August with numbers dwindling towards winter.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
They breed in early spring and the predatory larvae develop through the summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurs throughout England and Wales although scarcer in the north and seemingly mostly coastal in the west country.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Elaphrus riparius. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Elaphrus riparius (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elaphrus riparius
What is Elaphrus riparius?
Elaphrus riparius is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Elaphrus riparius?
6.5 to 7.5 mm. Metallic green elytra with pale lilac markings and a pair of round violet depressions that appear to be edged with silver in strong light. Legs long, femora metallic green, strongly microsculptured, tibiae red but darkened and metallic at apex. Tarsi shining metallic green.
Where is Elaphrus riparius found?
Habitat: Easiest to find by searching wet mud among waterside vegetation during hot weather but they scatter quickly and are difficult to follow.
When is Elaphrus riparius active?
Elaphrus riparius: seasonal activity - Adults are active from April onwards peaking from May to August with numbers dwindling towards winter..
What is the life cycle of a Elaphrus riparius?
They breed in early spring and the predatory larvae develop through the summer.